Tricalcium Phosphate(TCP)
Tricalcium phosphate is a calcium salt of phosphoric acid with the chemical formula Ca3(PO4)2. It is also known as tribasic calcium phosphate or "bone ash" (calcium phosphate being one of the main combustion products of bone). It has an alpha and a beta crystal form, the alpha state being formed at high temperatures. As rock, it is found in Whitlockite.
Natural occurrence
It is found in nature as a rock in Morocco, Israel, Philippines, Egypt, and Kola (Russia) and in smaller quantities in some other countries. The natural form is not completely pure, and there are some other components like sand and lime which can change the composition. In terms of P2O5, most calcium phosphate rocks have a content of 30% to 40% P2O5 in weight. The skeletons and teeth of vertebrate animals are composed of calcium phosphate, mainly hydroxyapatite.
Uses
Tricalcium phosphate is used in powdered spices as an anti-caking agent. Calcium phosphate is an important raw material for the production of phosphoric acid and fertilizers, for example in the Odda process. Calcium phosphate is also a raising agent (food additives) E341. Is a mineral salt found in rocks and bones, it is used in cheese products. It is also used as a nutritional supplement and occurs naturally in cow milk, although the most common and economical forms for supplementation are calcium carbonate (which should be taken with food) and calcium citrate (which can be taken without food).
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